Expert: Neha Dahiya MD - 6/30/2009

Question
Hi, recently had a normal colonoscopy, with the wording "colonic mucosa shows mild chronic non-specific inflammation with no increase in lymphocytes, crypt absess, etc."  
My doctor says im fine, nothing to worry about - I have had chronic loose stools for about a year.  Another doctor seems to think this is harmful, like IBD.  I have read that many normal people can have mild and non-specific findings.  Whats a person to do?  Im scared and nervous about this.
Thank you.

Answer
Hello John:

IBD is irritable bowel syndrome. A diagnosis arrived at by exclusion. All other conditions with specific findings are first ruled out and only then IBD is considered.

IBD is very common and many patients have abdominal pain, constipation and loose stools alternating , bloating etc. The findings of your colonoscopic biopsy are non specific and do not show anything worrisome.

Your physician should prescribe medication and lifestyle / diet modification for IBD